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A plasmid coding the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMK-II) delta isoform incorporating a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag was transfected into renal mesangial cells. It is expressed both in the perinuclear and peripheral compartments, demarcated by cortical actin (red). The nucleus is stained blue.

Courtesy of Y. Liu & D.M. Templeton

Metabolism & Nutrition

Metabolism & Nutrition encompasses the molecular basis of biological processes as they relate to endocrine, reproductive, metabolic and nutritional disorders. Our researchers study the mechanisms in diabetes, endocrine function and dyslipidemias. Others are investigating the role of nutrients and of toxic substances such as metals in our environment. The effects of hormones on tissues such as the thyroid, bone, and reproductive organs are also included in this area of research. Experimental approaches include investigations of gene structure and function, cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, metabolomics, mouse genetics and animal physiology.

Faculty members are involved in innovative clinical and basic research that focuses on:

the pathogenesis of obesity and Type II diabetes

identification of autoimmune markers and mediators of Type I diabetes

pancreatic stem cells and islet transplantation

metabolic disorders of blood lipids that lead to hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia

insight into metabolic factors that contribute to bone loss, osteoporosis and renal failure

endocrine derangements that accompany conditions of the thyroid, pituitary and reproductive glands

Research in the Drucker lab is focused on understanding the biology of the glucagon-like peptides. Specific projects include physiological analyses of GLP-1 and GLP-2 action, understanding the biology of glucagon action, and elucidation of the functional control of GLP-1, GIP, and GLP-2 action through studies of their respective receptors.

Using a range of molecular, cell biology, animal and clinical approaches my laboratory conducts research into the pathogenesis of diabetes complications with the overriding aim of developing new therapies to prevent and treat them.

Dr. Grynpas laboratory research is focused on: the nature of bone mineral, animal models of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, the effects of drugs and trace elements on bone quality, the determinants of bone fragility and bone fatigue. He is also part of a research group investigating tissue engineering of skeletal tissues.

My research focuses on genetic metabolic disorders. Currently, the emphasis is on understanding the pathobiology of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation as well as developing new methods for the diagnosis of this group of diseases.

Our laboratory studies the functional role of glycosphingolipids in cell physiology and disease pathology. Abnormal GSL metabolism is associated with many human diseases and major aspects of their metabolism remain undefined.

Our research program focuses on molecular networks implicated in cancer and diabetes. We are investigating signaling pathways contributing to tumor initiation, cancer stem cell maintenance and metastatic dissemination of breast cancers. We are also exploring mechanisms governing insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell replication important for the design of regenerative therapies for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Sepiashvili has diverse academic interests in the field of clinical chemistry. She is interested in translating new lab tests from research into clinical use and applying novel technologies to advance the clinical utility of lab tests and their throughput. Furthermore, she enjoys collaborating with clinical colleagues towards laboratory quality improvement and lab test utilization.

Our group is investigating adipose tissue biology - how does adipose tissue grow (fat expansion) and what is the origin of adipocyte (adipocyte precursor cell) by using multiple transgenic mouse model system.

Metallic elements play essential roles in normal cell function as enzyme cofactors, redox sensors, and structural elements. They also include some of the most potent toxic substances in our environment. We study the cell biology and toxicology of metals, with a current focus on iron and cadmium.

My lab is interested in understanding novel mechanisms of fibrovascular injury in the kidney, using both cell and animal models of disease, with the goal of using the knowledge gained to develop innovative new therapies for kidney disease.